NEGROS Occidental Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao is hoping the $300 million shipbuilding facilities eyed by a Japanese firm Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Hinoba-an could jumpstart before the term of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. ends on 2019.
Gatuslao said Marañon is the one who really made the effort to bring the Japanese investor in the province and that he has apprehensions it may not push through if the project cannot start soon, when Marañon is no longer the governor.
Gatuslao, who is the chair of the Provincial Council committee on laws and ordinances, said the Provincial Government is now scouting for a site for the earth-balling of thousands of mangrove trees affected by the establishment of a ship recycling facility.
He said they will consult with environmentalists and coordinate with a school in Hinoba-an for the transfer of mangrove trees.
Gatuslao also said they are hoping the agrarian reform-related issues will be settled in the construction of the ship recycling facility before their term ends next year.
The council has already allocated P20 million for the relocation of town residents affected by the project, which is now in the hands of Mayor Ernesto Estrao for implementation, Gatuslao also said.